Staten Island’s Pour Mania 2025 Raises Funds for Youth Solar Cars

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Staten Island’s homebrew club, Pour Standards, will host its annual Pour Mania 2025 event at Flagship Brewery. The fundraiser aims to support local nonprofit Seagull Solar, which empowers students to design and build solar-powered race cars. The event will run from 1 to 5 p.m. at 40 Minthorne St., Tompkinsville, and tickets are priced at $40, offering unlimited tastings of beer, cider, and mead from local artisans.

Advance ticket purchases are required via EventBrite.com. Proceeds from this event will help fund Seagull Solar’s initiatives, providing underserved youth with hands-on experiences in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This funding specifically supports students as they prepare to compete in the 2026 Solar Car Challenge in Texas, a prestigious event where high school teams showcase their innovative solar vehicles.

Transforming Education Through Innovation

Seagull Solar’s mission is to inspire young people to engage with STEM disciplines, equipping them with skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges. T.J. Smolka, a founding board member of Seagull Solar, emphasized the transformative power of these projects. “When students realize they can design and build something that actually moves under its own power — and do it using clean energy — it changes how they see science and how they see themselves,” Smolka stated.

Founded in 2014, Pour Standards, also known as the Richmond County Brew Society, is committed to promoting local craft brewing culture. The club fosters a community of enthusiasts who share a passion for brewing and supporting local initiatives. Pour Mania 2025 will feature additional activities, including raffles, a 50/50 drawing, food for sale, and music by DJ Frank De Riso. A highlight of the event will be the display of ‘Gemini,’ a retired MIT solar race vehicle from the 2024 American Solar Challenge, provided by Seagull Solar.

Building a Sustainable Future

Seagull Solar operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to constructing and racing solar-powered vehicles for the Solar Car Challenge. The organization’s mission focuses on the importance of clean, renewable energy for future generations. “Through solar car projects, we aim to inspire STEM careers and raise awareness about sustainability,” their mission statement notes.

For more information about Seagull Solar and their initiatives, interested individuals can visit their website at statenislandsolarcar.com or contact them via email at [email protected].

Pour Mania 2025 promises to be an engaging event that not only celebrates local brewing talent but also fosters educational opportunities for young innovators. By participating, attendees will contribute to a movement that encourages the next generation to embrace science and technology while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere of Staten Island.